Bangkok

Hey Flip,

Try TripAdvisor.com -  I use that a lot when I am traveling. I've only been to Thailand once for a few days, so I can't really help you out that much although I'm sure you can get a really nice room for the price you listed - (mine was $45 USD a night and pretty nice).

You also might get better responses if you post the same question in the Thailand forum.

Good Luck

Hi

Try CityLodge - agoda.com.sg/asia/thailand/bangkok/city_lodge_sukhumvit_19_hotel.html

They have 2 in Bangkok. Go for the Soi 19. It's not 5 star but very good location. Else across the street is The Westin.

Why
1. It's centrally located at the Junction of 2 Stations, The Asok BTS and Sukhumvit Subway. Very convenient.
2. It's near Makkasan BTS Station that link you straight to the Airport. If you do not want to take taxi and get caught in the traffic btw airport and city. Their traffic is famous!
3. Sukhumvit is the tourist belt and the hotel is 5 minutes walk to Soi Cowboy, a row of agogo bar popular with foreigner.
4. Take the train up on Saturday to Chatuchak Weekend market. A must go for shopping. It's only open on Sat and Sun (10am onwards) and is more than 10 times bigger than Cho Ben Thanh in HCMC.
5. Else the usual shopping malls at Siam Square, MBK and Paragon.
6. You can try the famous Patpong night market (8pm onwards) as well. Shopping and some of the most beautiful ladyboy in the world are there!

PM me specifics if you need more information. Bangkok is like a second home to me a few years ago.

Michael

For your budget, you should be able to afford brand-name hotels.
Otherwise, there is always the Khao Sao Road, the Pham Ngu Lao equivalent of Bangkok.
wikitravel.org/en/Bangkok/Khao_San_Road

I agree Sukhumvit is best, handy for the airport and the VN embassy (if you need a visa) (You will not be allowed to fly into VietNam without a visa, For 2 days ask for a Class D visa)

TripAdvisor is unreliable, by their own admission, as hotels frequently boost their own ratings.

You can even rent self-service rooms in condominiums for around USD$20 in Sukhumvit. Good for two.

Hi again ALL, 

Just wanted to say "THANKS VERY MUCH - GREATLY APPRECIATED" to those kind members who took the time to reply to my question of where to stay in Bangkok.

All those shops and markets - my partner is thinking of going back, this time staying a week.
So she has time to look around without being overwhelmed by the shear size and numbers of choices. 
( think she will need that at least just for a couple of the larger shops or a couple of the markets )